More powerful cars for P-platers

THE legislation stating what cars P-platers can drive has been amended, granting them access to more powerful but safer cars.

As of December 19 last year P-platers could drive cars up to 210kW, whereas previously P-platers could only drive cars up to 200kW.

RACQ welcomed the change.

"Some of the safest cars in Australia were not able to be driven by the youngest drivers," RACQ external relations general manager Paul Turner said.

The changes have been made in response to the growing trend in the motor vehicle industry to use turbochargers and superchargers to deliver fuel efficiencies and decreased carbon emissions.

RACQ fully supported the change because it focused on putting drivers most at risk, who Mr Turner said were generally the younger inexperienced drivers, into cars that have a five-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) rating.

"The old law had been caught out by advancements in motoring technology," Mr Turner said.

"It was designed to keep inexperienced drivers out of high-powered vehicles, which we support and is a good thing.

"However, with smaller cars becoming more powerful but safer, they were being caught up in the restriction."

A spokesperson for Transport and Main Roads said high-performance vehicle restrictions were still in place.

"P-platers are simply being provided with more options to choose certain family vehicles, which are considered safe for young drivers," the spokesman said.

"This is about keeping P-platers safe while ensuring the government keeps up to date with emerging technologies in the industry, which may impact drivers.

"Vehicles that are genuinely high-powered, such as V8s and performance vehicles will continue to be prohibited for young drivers."

New Pioneer Motors general manager Tim Callinan said there had been a steady increase in inquiries from under 25-year-old drivers since the new laws had come into play.

"However, as it becomes more common knowledge, we would anticipate that additional enquiries will be generated," he said.

Visit tmr.qld.gov.au for more information on the vehicles that P-platers can drive.

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